Saudi Arabia Strengthens Israel Ties Ahead of Trump Meeting
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Saudi arabia Links Israel Ties to Palestinian statehood, Complicating Potential Deal with U.S.
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Published November 9, 2023, 11:38 AM EST
Updated November 9, 2023, 11:38 AM EST
Key Context: Saudi-Israel Normalization Stalled
Saudi Arabia is signaling it will not move forward with normalizing relations with Israel without a credible plan for the establishment of a Palestinian state, according to sources and analysis reported by Reuters. This stance complicates efforts by the United States to broker a deal,particularly given the current political climate in Israel.
Jonathan Panikoff, former deputy U.S. national intelligence officer on the Middle East and now at the Atlantic Council, stated that Saudi Arabia is unlikely to formalize ties with Israel “without at least a credible pathway to a Palestinian state.” He further suggests that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) will likely leverage his relationship with former President Donald Trump to secure “more explicit and vocal buy-in for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.”
The Khashoggi Factor and MbS’s Visit
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to Washington marks his first since the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, a critic of MbS, was killed in a manner that sparked international condemnation. While MbS has denied direct involvement in the killing, the incident continues to cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia’s international relations. The Washington Post extensively covered the Khashoggi case, detailing the investigation and international fallout.
Abraham Accords and the Palestinian Question
The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco have already normalized ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, brokered during the Trump management. Former President Trump has expressed expectations for further expansion of these accords.Though, these agreements bypassed the issue of Palestinian statehood. Riyadh is signaling that any agreement with Israel must be part of a broader framework, not simply an extension of the existing Abraham Accords.
Netanyahu’s Opposition and Limited Prospects
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state. This position, coupled with a lack of willingness from both Washington and Israel to make necessary concessions, presents a significant obstacle to Saudi Arabia’s demands. saudi officials indicate that progress hinges on concessions that are currently unavailable. Reuters reported on November 8, 2023, that Saudi Arabia has communicated this position to Washington.